A Day & Night in Mumbai :Land of culture,emotions and life

Mumbai is one city where I haven’t got an opportunity to visit or explore much.My 4th Visit to the city was an eventful one and the experience was everlasting, though haven’t been lucky enough to explore the city at length butI did plan to explore the unexplored places of Mumbai and making the best of being away from home.Last month I was invited to Mumbai by one of the leading hospitality brands in the world, Hyatt Regency as a guest to experience their hospitality.

As we arrived at the International terminal of Mumbai airport, environment friendlyWe had our chauffeur waiting at the airport and good to see the hotel was using hybrid car Toenvironment-friendly.The hotel is just 5 minutes away from the Mumbai International airport.As We were warmly welcomed at the entrance by the staff and the team of Hyatt Regency Mumbai.

The Check-in process was a breeze and was given a room on the 4th floor which had a brilliant view of the pool.

As I relaxed in the room, was pleasantly surprised with the new global initiative by ‘Make the most of Being Away’ #GetCarded campaign where I was offered 3 cards to select and being a foodie,I selected the sweet tooth card and was presented a basketful of chocolates, goodies that I couldn’t resist eating.They gifted me wine and cheese and fruit platter as well.

We had a tour of the hotel and this is a perfect business hotel who would like to relax in the little time they get from the hectic schedule.The best way to relax at Hyatt Regency Mumbai is to pamper yourself with a spa treatment and I tried the Swedish spa treatment that rejuvenates your body, mumbaikarmind and soul.

I am impressed by the #GetCarded and ‘Make the most of Being Away’ campaign that revolves around a popular guest sentiment witnessed by the brand, which is the joy experienced on breaking free from the daily routine on being away from home.

Hyatt Regency Mumbai had planned a perfect Mumbai Darshan trip for us to make the most of being away from home.We had chalked down the most prominent markets in Mumbai and live the life ofMumbaikar and so we headed to the Dadar Flower and Vegetables Markets and the Mahim Fish Market.

Mahim Fish Market showcases the life of the fishermen’s who sell their catch daily in the market for their livelihood, it was nice seeing the types of fishes available there though being a vegetarian, it wasn’t a great sight for me but as a traveller, it was interesting to watch them.

As we arrived at Dadar Flower and Vegetable market, The daily hustle bustle prevailed in the market and it was fun to see how people were engrossed in their daily routine. ”Amchi Mumbai” is full of people, life and heat of course.You had street hawkers, makeshift stalls, Wandering Dabbawallas and the famous street food of Mumbai such as vada pav, bhajis, poha all available in plenty tempts you to have a bite.As we wandered thru the crowd of Dadar market, We came across one of the many railway stations in Mumbai that serves as a lifeline to many.

Our next pit stop was the famous Chor Bazaar which is a popular flea market in Mumbai which was initially called as Shor Bazaar, means a noisy market. This is one stop place for anything and everything.For antiques to some junk jewellery, furniture and, if you are a lover for such items, this is the place to be.You can also see big clocks, colonial style paints and statues as well and old Bollywood posters too.

Our next stop was Crawford Market at South Mumbai, which is now known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, the first building to have ever been lit with electricity.The market is more than 200 years old where you get everything under the sun from wholesale fruits and vegetables to poultry, pets, jewellery etc.This place is a landmark by itself.

To end the long but eventful day, We visited the Colaba Causeway which host of the oldest establishments in Mumbai and is a famous shopping paradise as well.

The visit to the market was wonderful to see people full of life, so we decided to visit somewhere more serene place on my birthday. Kanheri caves are one such place is located to the north of Borivali on the western outskirts of Mumbai, italianLocated within the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the caves are 6 km from the main gate and 7 km from Borivali Station.Kanheri caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments that has Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India.Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit which means black mountain. Trust me, I was amazed to see more than 100 caves carved here and we managed to capture the important ones only but the architecture was impressive.

Last to note, Hyatt regency Mumbai’s restaurant had Mexican food festival happening and alItalian affair was exquisite with wine and fine Italian dishes and also tried the street food of Hyatt Regency which was amazing and just like the real street food.

Finally, I celebrated my birthday with Hyatt Regency team before I had to return back to Bangalore.

Now this is a place that I know INDIA right? This at least breals my impression of India which is a poverty stricken country. Perhaps it is true but seeing this really is refreshing. Potential is actually there.

The sweet tooth card has my name written all over it, sounds so indulgent! Now I’m curious, what other types of cards are available? BTW, love your pics of Mumbai, especially the ones with vintage paraphernalia.